The Essential Services Commission has released a report that clarifies how Melbourne Airport’s taxi rank charges can be passed on to customers.
Commission chair, Dr Ron Ben-David says until now there has been some confusion about who sets the fee.
“While we have a say in how much taxi drivers can charge customers, we have no say in what Melbourne Airport charges taxi drivers to collect passengers from the airport taxi rank,” he said.
Taxi drivers are currently allowed to charge customers $2.70 in addition to the metered fare for a trip starting at the airport. This is the same amount Melbourne Airport charges taxi drivers for essentially using its facilities.
Melbourne Airport has advised the Commission that from 1 November 2016 it will be increasing its charge on drivers from $2.70 to $3.58.
The Commission has received submissions from the taxi industry, including the Victorian Taxi Association, expressing concern that drivers will be left out of pocket if this increased charge cannot be passed on to passengers.
Dr Ben-David says the current arrangements have led to confusion about who is responsible for determining charges for catching a taxi from the airport.
“The Commission’s final decision establishes a mechanism that ensures Melbourne Airport is fully responsible for setting the airport rank fee.
“From 1 November, taxi drivers will only be allowed to charge customers the amount that has been published by Melbourne Airport on its website and in a widely circulated newspaper in Victoria,” he said.
